Army chief visits
Fort Benning
Schoomaker talks about recruiting, BRAC, GWOT
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Story by Spc. Nikki St. Amant/The Bayonet FORT BENNING, Ga. (TRADOC News Service, April 29, 2005) – Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker visited Fort Benning April 25 to speak at the 2005 David E. Grange Best Ranger Competition award ceremony, but he also spoke with media briefly on topics like the Global War on Terrorism, base realignment and closure, or BRAC, and retention. Schoomaker said great progress has been made in Iraq, evidenced by the January democratic elections. “We had those elections because there were boots on the ground,” he said. “The political process is now moving ahead. “The youth of this country are stepping up, and, quite frankly, that’s what keeps me going,” he added. Despite the challenge of a two-front war, the state and future of the infantry is solid, according to the Army’s highest ranking officer. But he voiced concerns on the readiness of the military for conflicts worldwide. “Historically, we have entered unprepared into conflicts,” he said. “We must always be ready.” He said Army Reserve and National Guard recruiting shortfalls are occurring because, generally, more Soldiers are remaining on active duty -- Soldiers leaving the Active Component are the traditional source of recruits for the Reserve Component. Schoomaker said the Army has raised the bar for initial recruits but is meeting and exceeding its goals. Schoomaker declined to delve into the details of the upcoming BRAC decision but said it is continuing. “When
it’s all said and done, people will see it is a good idea,”
he said. |
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker visits the Malone Complex to observe the Infantry Center's training and talk with Soldiers April 25. The CSA also presented the 2005 Best Ranger Competition winners with their awards and Colt .45 pistols in a ceremony at the Ranger Memorial. View and/or save high-resolution photo |
